Nicola Nisticò

NICOLA NISTICO’, born in 1961. Associate professor of structural engineering, at the University of Roma “La Sapienza”.

1988: Special student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA, Boston).1989: Degree in Civil Engineering (University of Roma “La Sapienza”)1990 ¸1997: Researcher of the Italian Earthquake Engineering Center.1994: Ph.D. in Structural Engineering (University of Florence).1997: Assistant professor of structural engineering at the Engineering Faculty of the University of Roma “La Sapienza”.2005: Associate professor of structural engineering at the Engineering Faculty of the University of Roma “La Sapienza”.

His scientific activity has addressed the topics of a) expert systems b) seismic assessment and retrofitting of existing structures b) composite materials.Concerning the topic (a) he designed and partially implemented an integrated expert system oriented to the seismic assessment of “AEC organisms” (Architectural and Construction “objects”, like buildings) and for the production of the related seismic risk maps. Concerning the topic (b) he has been involved in four research project that are: 1) seismic vulnerability evaluation of the public existing buildings located in Emilia Romagna (Italy), 2) seismic assessment of Buildings and Lifelines located in Chania (Creta), 3) seismic risk evaluation of the Catania (Italy) existing bridges, 4) seismic assessment and retrofitting of the Catania (Italy) existing buildings.Concerning Composite materials (topic c), he devoted his activity to Fiber Reinforced Concrete as well as FRP studies oriented to the formulation of analytical predictive equations for confined concrete. The studies included experimental tests.The scientific activities has been combined with applicative studies finalized to innovative design techniques such as those concerning c) the design of bowstring bridges for high-speed railway transportation and d) the application of innovative device for the improvement of seismic performance of new and existing structures.Concerning the application of innovative devices, he has been involved in he seismic protection of industrial buildings. The goal of the design was the seismic isolation of cement production equipments: dissipative seismic isolators have been implemented in combination with sliding devices.He is actually investigating, the feasibility of the installation of seismic isolators under the roof of 2 floor precasted buildings: the goal is the use of the roof as Tuned Mass Damper.